By Gari Voss
The Allegan City Council received an update from commissions / boards, approved several financial matters, decided to apply for grants, and received an update on the mystery of the water loss.
The regular meeting began with a request from the Allegan Area Arts Council to use the Griswold Auditorium’s lower level for Arts Camp from August 13-18, 2023. The Council approved the use of the facility at no cost.
Airport Advisory Board
The Airport Advisory Board requested the abandonment of the turf runway. Because of the tree line, the runway cannot be approved for use. After decommissioning the runway, the Commission would like the Council to approve constructing another turf runway while turning the previous area could be used for additional hangers. The group would also like to host a Fly In near the end of July, but this takes time to set up the pieces of a Pancake Breakfast along with other activities to engage visitors. A piece that members are exploring is an AWOS alternative for the weather system that will still allow pilots to tune in to the weather conditions in Allegan. Tulip City is the current provider, but it is really too far away.
The Council approved both the abandonment of the current turf runway, and the constructions of another runway after the removal of several trees that would prevent approval.
Historic District Commission
The commissioner reviewed a request from 132 Hubbard St. for façade renovation that was approved. They learned that Carolyn Blass and Rosie Hunter had applied to be on the commission.
Knowing that the Council was not dissolving the Commission, the members agreed to the following:
the current ordinance would be enforced.
Beginning at the next meeting, the Commission will start the review of each property in the city’s historic districts and determine whether it is still contributing to the respective historic district.
The Commission will work with the State Historic Preservation Office to determine the best process forward, including only requiring contributing buildings to go through the
full review process, and possibly resizing the districts.
The commissioners agreed to investigate 134 Cook St., 418 Hastings St., 448 Trowbridge St. and 120 River St. for possible violations.
Finance Department
The City Council approved accounts payable in the amount of $1,602,819.76 and payroll in the amount of $189,229.88 for a total disbursement of $1,792,049.64.
The Council approved the adoption of Resolution 23.20 authorizing FY2023 4th quarter budget adjustments which is an annual adjustment made in June.
The Council approved Resolution 23.21 which is a wage increase for non-union full-time and parttime employees. This is an increase of 3% that will go into effect on July 1, 2023.
The City Council approved the purchase order for Wade Trim in the amount of $45,000 to provide engineering services for the Eastern Avenue lift station. Before the amount is adjusted, Water Utilities Director Doug Sweeris will determine damages as this is a direct result of the discharge of acidic and caustic materials from Perrigo. The amount will be reimbursed to the City once the costs are determined.
Public Works
The request to approve abandoning the turf runway at Padgham Field Airport was approved.
Director of Public Works Doug Kadzban requested that the Council approve Prein & Newhof for engineering services related to abandoning the Padgham Field turf runway and authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $7,000.00 for these services.
City Manager Joel Dye requested the approval of an easement with Michigan Gas Utilities Corp. to install the necessary equipment for transmitting gas along Riverfront Park in Downtown Allegan. The Council agreed.
The Council approved the request to adopt Resolution 23.22 approving a grant application to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for the SPARK Program. A successful application would supply $1.3 million to remove the current Trestle Trail Bridge and install a 12-foot wide by 70-foot long multiuse clear span bridge. The City would contribute about $300,000. This competitive grant will be written in collaboration with Abonmarche. County Commissioner Scott Belden has agreed to assist in fund raising for the matching funds.
The Council approved the adoption of Resolution 23.23 to submit a TEDF-B grant application to the Michigan Department of Transportation for resurfacing Chestnut Street, Week Street, and Padgham Drive. The grant would secure $190,930.00. Abonmarche Consultants will assist with writing the grant for improvements using mill and fill. If approved, the money will not be received from the State of Michigan until FY2025.
City Manager & City Clerk
The Code of Enforcement Manual for ordinance enforcement that was reviewed at the last meeting was approved by the Council.
The request to accept the MI Economic Development Corp. Ready Redevelopment Communities Technical Assistance Grant in the amount of $27,750 to help fund a Wayfinding Assessment and Schematic Plan was approved. 75% of the cost for the project will be covered by the State. Information will be used to design, manufacture and install signage throughout Downtown.
The request to approve P.O. #24-0712 in the amount of $37,000 for Guide Studio, Inc. to develop a Wayfinding Assessment and Schematic Plan for the City of Allegan was approved.
Board Appointments
In addition to appointing Carolyn Blass and Rosie Hunter to the Historic Commission, the Council appointed Jason Watts and Rachel McKenzie to the Zoning Board of Appeals / Construction Board of Appeals.
Study Session
The Study Session encourages the sharing of information and discussion. There are no votes taken or decisions made.
Girl Scout Property
Councilmembers have received suggestions for the vacant property to be used as a nature area while others would like to see some residential development. City Manager Dye shared that over the last six years, it has been difficult to find a developer who is interested in the property. The Council voiced support to continue seeking a developer to provide the much needed residential development.
The Continuing Mystery of Water Loss
Director Sweeris presented a review of what has been learned about the water loss. Loss began Oct-Nov of 2022, which was several months after the installation of new meters, when the loss rose to 19%; in Jan.-Feb. the loss increased to 28%; March saw a decrease to 24.4% but April increased to 32%. Flow meters have been checked and flows have been compared to other years.
The water plant’s increase in production is comparable to loss. High and low pressure systems have been checked and compared. The lines have been walked and driven several times looking for leaks. Drains are being checked regularly. Professionals found one fire hydrant leaking and a water service leak but nothing significant was detected.
Extra attention will be given to checking river crossings to check pressure.
The billing shows that water billing is accurate since new meters were installed. Michigan Rural Water Association suggested checking accounts that have been inactive and those along the river.
The goal has been to get to 10% after the meter change, but this has not been reached for months. The cost of the loss is reflected in electricity and chemicals to the tune of a $38,000 loss per year.
The wastewater system is not showing this difference even taking into consideration seasons with heavy water flow into the manholes. There is not a comparable increase in wastewater compared to loss.
In the future, the water loss will continue to be audited. Vacant buildings will continue to be checked for broken pipes. Storm drains will be checked. Larger users like the fire department and Perrigo will be checked more carefully, especially places with fire suppression systems. The City will install additional valves at river crossings or hire a diver to do underwater checks.
Director Sweeris will continue looking.
Wayfinding Program
Dye suggested that a subcommittee of a Council member, Downtown Development Authority member and a Public Spaces member be established to work with Wayfinding. The City Staff suggests the review begin now since 75% of the costs will be covered by the State of MI.
Downtown Allegan Refuse and Recycling Program
Garbage has been a top concern for city citizens. The City staff envisions six dumpster enclosures with trash and recycle dumpsters plus a grease dumpster for restaurants. Enclosed areas would have a recycle or waste receptacle. Dumpsters would be picked up 3 times a week.
The only company to bid on the project was Republic. All businesses would be mandated to use the system and share the costs. Only a few businesses have the capacity to store refuse on their own property.
User fee notices would be sent in October to set enterprise funds. Any extra funds would go for future maintenance. The City has developed annual and monthly fee structures to accommodate business desires.
The goal is to begin in January 2024. Monitoring will be done to determine the number of weekly pickups and the fees charged. Even though a business may not produce much trash, they have patrons who do create trash when they are in the city.
This is an ongoing conversations within the business community and those living in apartments and lofts. Dye reminded the Council that there would have to be adjustments made once implementation begins.
Dye would like to reestablish a schedule for the Council to tour the City of Allegan.
Update of Downtown Infrastructure and Streetscape Project
Work completed during prior month.
Work continues on Brady Street and all of Hubbard Street.
The acquisition and installation of tables, chairs, benches, and bicycle racks with the appropriate advisory committees is progressing. The students at the Tech Center have begun the designs of the bike racks that will be reviewed by the Public Spaces Commission and the Downtown Development Authority.
Staff will continue conversations with Consumers Energy regarding streetlights for the project. Due to a long lead time, the staff is looking at a different supplier with a similar post top lantern to what Consumers is offering. Others who have completed Streetscapes suggest that the city do their own lights.
Work planned for upcoming month.
The curbs, sidewalks and base course asphalt will be installed on Brady and the East End of Hubbard Street.
West Hubbard Water Services and Riverfront Sewer work will continue.
Staff will order the tables and chairs from Landscape Forms.
Passport Program
Parker Johnson shared that the Passport Program is going well and the passports are being picked up from City Hall.